It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We eagerly await the start of training camp in September. However, there’s plenty to talk about when it comes roster moves. General managers have been working hard behind the scenes making moves. There have been a a few deals, but things could really ramp up when the calendar turns to Septembers. We could see some major things happen.
One team that’s looking to turn things around is the New York Rangers. This edition of NHL rumours deals with a former top overall draft pick that could be in play for a deal.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Former Top Overall New York Rangers Pick Could Be Available
Rumour: David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period was recently on Campbell vs Gallo discussed what the Rangers might do next. Pagnotta was asked if the Blueshirts could make a big and bold move involving Alexis Lafreniere.
Analysis: The former top overall pick of the 2020 NHL Draft has been incredibly inconsistent in his career. There have been times that Lafreniere has looked like he was going to live up to the hype. However, there have been a number of times where the former QMJHL star has struggled.
The pressure of being in New York and a number of coaching changes. However, Rangers fans are hoping for him to finally put it all together for a consistent stretch. The clock is ticking on if he can realize his potential or if he could be a trade candidate.
New York was a team that a number of experts had pegged to challenge the Florida Panthers. However, the Blueshirts stumbled out of the gate and never recovered.
There’s a lot of mystery on how the Rangers will start under new head coach Mike Sullivan. However, general manager Chris Drury might have to make some serious changes if the team gets off to a slow start.
What It Means
Lafreniere has been pegged as a bounce-back candidate, but he’s also been tabbed as a possible trade candidate. Pagnotta mentioned that “almost everything would be under consideration” if the team once again struggles out of the gate.
The pressure is on Drury to turn things around and things could get desperate in the Big Apple. Michael Augello of The Hockey News has also mentioned that Lafreniere could be in play if the team gets off the blocks slowly.
Augello also linked the Buffalo Sabres to the former top overall selections. The Sabres have plenty of salary cap space and Lafreniere has a number of traits desirable to a club trying to turn things around. The Quebec native’s salary cap hit is at $7.45 million for the next seven seasons, which is a number that the team could digest. This is especially true for the rising salary cap.
Lafreniere also doesn’t have a pesky no-trade clause that has prevented Buffalo from getting deals done. Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams could be tempted to make this trade if the Rangers don’t get off to the desired start.
Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
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